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Coronavirus outbreak: passengers begin to leave Diamond Princess – live updates Coronavirus outbreak: passengers begin to leave Diamond Princess – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Deaths in China from the virus have risen above 2,000 after a 40% spike in fatalities in Hubei province – but new cases in the province are down. Follow all the latest news hereDeaths in China from the virus have risen above 2,000 after a 40% spike in fatalities in Hubei province – but new cases in the province are down. Follow all the latest news here
A second person has died from Covid-19 in Hong Kong, according to the South China Morning Post.
The 70-year-old man had underlying health problems and was declared dead on Wednesday morning.
He had visited the Chinese mainland in January.
The territory has 62 confirmed cases.
The team at Capital Economics have been producing charts tracking coal consumption and traffic congestion and other factors in China in an effort to give a picture of how the virus is affecting the economy.
The official line from China is that much of the workforce is back in action and that targets can be hit.
But there is a lot of evidence to suggest that things are far from being back to normal.
Take this chart, for example, tracking coal consumption in power stations. It shows a slight pickup in the last few days but not much more. Electricity use is routinely used by economists as a proxy for economic activity in China as a counterpoint to official growth figures.
The charts are compiled from sources such as WIND, a Chinese data tracker, and CEIC. This one on daily passenger traffic also shows a slight uptick but only just:
And traffic congestion as garnered from Amap, China’s version of Google Maps:
More on the disembarking passengers from Justin in Tokyo:
Japanese TV showed passengers leaving the ship late on Wednesday morning to board waiting buses. Local health authorities said about 500 passengers were expected to disembark on Wednesday, with around 2,500 others to follow over the next two days.
Only those who tested negative and did not share cabins with infected passengers are being permitted to disembark, amid widening criticism of Japan’s handling of the ship’s quarantine. Anyone who has had contact with an infected passenger will have to undergo 14 more days in quarantine. In addition, the crew will begin a new quarantine when the last passenger has disembarked.
The Diamond Princess has proved a fertile breeding ground for the virus with at least 542 positive cases – making the ship home to the largest cluster of infections outside mainland China.
“NEGATIVE! Me, son, husband, mom and dad! Thank you Lord for protecting us... So emotional now,” tweeted passenger Yardley Wong, who has been cooped up with her six-year-old son.
Those with no symptoms and a negative test received an official certificate saying they posed “no risk of infection of nCoV, as the said person has also presented no symptoms including fever at the time of infection.”
Some in Japan have raised concerns about allowing people from the cruise ship to board flights home or spread out into crowded cities such as Tokyo, saying there was a chance that secondary infections had occurred on the ship during its 14-day quarantine.
Several countries, including Britain, Hong Kong and Australia, appear to have lost patience with the on-board quarantine and have prepared chartered planes to bring back their citizens. More than 300 Americans were flown home on Monday, although 14 of the passengers tested positive during the evacuation. The US government has told Americans who chose to remain on the ship that they will not be allowed back into the country until they have completed another two weeks of quarantine after disembarking.
Early Wednesday, South Korea flew six of its nationals plus a Japanese spouse to Seoul. They will be placed in isolation for 14 days, the Yonhap news agency reported. Other countries will require repatriated people to undergo another two weeks of quarantine after they return home.
Beijing’s leading medical adviser has warned that human-to-human transmission of Covid-19 has still not been stopped in Wuhan, the state-owned Global Times reports.Beijing’s leading medical adviser has warned that human-to-human transmission of Covid-19 has still not been stopped in Wuhan, the state-owned Global Times reports.
Zhong told a press conference in Guangzhou on Tuesday that despite huge efforts to lock down the city of 11 million, the authorities had failed to separate patients from healthy people and to separate COVID-19 patients from flu patients.Zhong told a press conference in Guangzhou on Tuesday that despite huge efforts to lock down the city of 11 million, the authorities had failed to separate patients from healthy people and to separate COVID-19 patients from flu patients.
Yang Zhanqiu, deputy director of the pathogen biology department at Wuhan University, told the Global Times that transmission of the common flu had also worsened in Wuhan alongside the spread of Covid-19.Yang Zhanqiu, deputy director of the pathogen biology department at Wuhan University, told the Global Times that transmission of the common flu had also worsened in Wuhan alongside the spread of Covid-19.
“The human-to-human transmission of flu worsened the human-to-human transmission situation of novel coronavirus in Wuhan,” Yang said, as it has made screening for coronavirus patients more difficult.“The human-to-human transmission of flu worsened the human-to-human transmission situation of novel coronavirus in Wuhan,” Yang said, as it has made screening for coronavirus patients more difficult.
The Global Times also reports criticism by local people of the authorities’ response to the outbreak.The Global Times also reports criticism by local people of the authorities’ response to the outbreak.
One resident called Chen said residential areas were sealed off too late to stop the spread.One resident called Chen said residential areas were sealed off too late to stop the spread.
“Our community only arranged the collective purchase of daily necessities today, after it was completely locked down. A few days ago, I heard that people went to the supermarket nearby, which led to a public gathering,” she said.“Our community only arranged the collective purchase of daily necessities today, after it was completely locked down. A few days ago, I heard that people went to the supermarket nearby, which led to a public gathering,” she said.
“Local authorities acted too slowly, missing the best opportunity to contain the virus spread,” she added.“Local authorities acted too slowly, missing the best opportunity to contain the virus spread,” she added.
Justin McCurry, our man in Tokyo, has been speaking to a Japanese health expert who fears some of the cruise ship passengers could yet turn out to be carrying the virus:Justin McCurry, our man in Tokyo, has been speaking to a Japanese health expert who fears some of the cruise ship passengers could yet turn out to be carrying the virus:
Kentaro Iwata, a specialist in infectious diseases at Kobe University Hospital in western Japan who spent several hours on the luxury cruise liner on Tuesday, told the Guardian that passengers cleared of the virus should continue to be monitored for another two weeks in case they develop symptoms of Covid-19.Kentaro Iwata, a specialist in infectious diseases at Kobe University Hospital in western Japan who spent several hours on the luxury cruise liner on Tuesday, told the Guardian that passengers cleared of the virus should continue to be monitored for another two weeks in case they develop symptoms of Covid-19.
He told us:He told us:
Passengers have begun leaving the Diamond Princess cruise ship after spending two weeks in quarantine off Yokohama, near Tokyo, public broadcaster NHK said.Passengers have begun leaving the Diamond Princess cruise ship after spending two weeks in quarantine off Yokohama, near Tokyo, public broadcaster NHK said.
Around 500 people were expected to disembark on Wednesday with the entire process to be completed by Friday, NHK reported.Around 500 people were expected to disembark on Wednesday with the entire process to be completed by Friday, NHK reported.
The South Korean disease control centre (KCDC) has confirmed our earlier report that the country has 15 new cases of the virus, taking the total to 46.The South Korean disease control centre (KCDC) has confirmed our earlier report that the country has 15 new cases of the virus, taking the total to 46.
It says 13 cases were identified in Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongbuk province about 250km south of the capital, Seoul.It says 13 cases were identified in Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongbuk province about 250km south of the capital, Seoul.
Eleven of the cases are linked to the 31st patient who is identified as a 60-year-old woman. She had been in a car accident and treated at a local hospital since 7 February. She developed the fever on 10 February and was tested for Covid-19 on Monday. She was confirmed positive on Tuesday and is now in isolation in hospital. She has not been abroad since December, 2019. An epidemiological investigation is currently underway.Eleven of the cases are linked to the 31st patient who is identified as a 60-year-old woman. She had been in a car accident and treated at a local hospital since 7 February. She developed the fever on 10 February and was tested for Covid-19 on Monday. She was confirmed positive on Tuesday and is now in isolation in hospital. She has not been abroad since December, 2019. An epidemiological investigation is currently underway.
Ten of these people attend the same church as the woman, the KCDC said.Ten of these people attend the same church as the woman, the KCDC said.
Officials are in the process of finding out how another two people from the area were infected.Officials are in the process of finding out how another two people from the area were infected.
Another new is the daughter of a previously confirmed case who has been hospitalised for treatment at Seoul National University Bundang hospital.Another new is the daughter of a previously confirmed case who has been hospitalised for treatment at Seoul National University Bundang hospital.
The 15th new case is a 43-year-old man in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, who is being hospitalised for isolation.The 15th new case is a 43-year-old man in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, who is being hospitalised for isolation.
A countermeasures team has been dispatched to the Daegu area to implement emergency defense measures with the local government.A countermeasures team has been dispatched to the Daegu area to implement emergency defense measures with the local government.
China is doing its utmost to get its huge state-owned industrial sector back to work following the shutdowns amid the Covid-19 outbreak, state media reports.China is doing its utmost to get its huge state-owned industrial sector back to work following the shutdowns amid the Covid-19 outbreak, state media reports.
According to CGTN, the state council’s assets supervision and administration commission (SASAC) said it would stick to this year’s production targets and “guide enterprises to resume work in a safe and orderly manner”.According to CGTN, the state council’s assets supervision and administration commission (SASAC) said it would stick to this year’s production targets and “guide enterprises to resume work in a safe and orderly manner”.
Ren Hongbin, vice chairman of the SASAC, told media on Tuesday that more than 80% of state-owned enterprise (SOE) production subsidiaries had resumed operation, and more than 95% of the companies in the sectors of petroleum and petrochemical, communication, electricity and transport have resumed work.Ren Hongbin, vice chairman of the SASAC, told media on Tuesday that more than 80% of state-owned enterprise (SOE) production subsidiaries had resumed operation, and more than 95% of the companies in the sectors of petroleum and petrochemical, communication, electricity and transport have resumed work.
However, according to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday, companies are having difficulty getting migrant workers back into their factories because of the travel restrictions imposed around the country.However, according to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday, companies are having difficulty getting migrant workers back into their factories because of the travel restrictions imposed around the country.
The newspaper claimed Foxconn– which manufactures for Apple – is struggling to get enough workers onto the iPhone assembly line at its plant in Zhengzhou, in China’s Henan province.The newspaper claimed Foxconn– which manufactures for Apple – is struggling to get enough workers onto the iPhone assembly line at its plant in Zhengzhou, in China’s Henan province.
Many workers left the cities to return home for new year and are now unable to return to work because of compulsory quarantine in Foxconn dormitories. Henan has seen the most deaths of any province outside Hubei, with 19.Many workers left the cities to return home for new year and are now unable to return to work because of compulsory quarantine in Foxconn dormitories. Henan has seen the most deaths of any province outside Hubei, with 19.
The FT explains:The FT explains:
Justin McCurry in Tokyo reports that a British couple did not after all test positive:Justin McCurry in Tokyo reports that a British couple did not after all test positive:
David Abel, a British passenger onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner in Japan, has said he and his wife Sally did not test positive for the coronavirus Covid-19 - as he had initially reported - and were still on the ship waiting to disembark.David Abel, a British passenger onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner in Japan, has said he and his wife Sally did not test positive for the coronavirus Covid-19 - as he had initially reported - and were still on the ship waiting to disembark.
Abel, who said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that the couple had both tested positive, blamed the mix-up on communication problems with Japanese officials.Abel, who said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that the couple had both tested positive, blamed the mix-up on communication problems with Japanese officials.
“Sally & I packed and waited 8 hours in the cabin to be transported to a hostel. We are still on the ship!” he said in an update on Wednesday morning. “They do NOT send folk with the virus to a hostel! Massive communication error yesterday. The Japanese quarantine officials to not speak any English. They came to our door & told us to be ready to be taken to the hostel. My mindset was ‘virus’ and said ‘positive then’. He nodded. I don’t think he was saying yes to the virus but positive we were moving out?? He followed up by saying it will probably be just 4 or 5 days. You would not say that to a virus victim.”“Sally & I packed and waited 8 hours in the cabin to be transported to a hostel. We are still on the ship!” he said in an update on Wednesday morning. “They do NOT send folk with the virus to a hostel! Massive communication error yesterday. The Japanese quarantine officials to not speak any English. They came to our door & told us to be ready to be taken to the hostel. My mindset was ‘virus’ and said ‘positive then’. He nodded. I don’t think he was saying yes to the virus but positive we were moving out?? He followed up by saying it will probably be just 4 or 5 days. You would not say that to a virus victim.”
Abel said he and Sally were being helped by the British embassy in Tokyo, adding: I am being listened to and Sally & I feel really well. I will get more info out when I know what’s happening. Thank you for your love and concern. Sally & David xx”Abel said he and Sally were being helped by the British embassy in Tokyo, adding: I am being listened to and Sally & I feel really well. I will get more info out when I know what’s happening. Thank you for your love and concern. Sally & David xx”
Japan’s health ministry said on Wednesday that Diamond Princess passengers who tested negative and had not shared a cabin with someone who tested positive would start leaving the ship around mid-morning after spending two weeks in quarantine. The ministry said the disembarkation would be completed by Friday.Japan’s health ministry said on Wednesday that Diamond Princess passengers who tested negative and had not shared a cabin with someone who tested positive would start leaving the ship around mid-morning after spending two weeks in quarantine. The ministry said the disembarkation would be completed by Friday.
More than 500 of the 3,700 passengers and crew originally on the Diamond Princess have been diagnosed with Covid-19, making it home to the largest cluster of infections outside mainland China. Some experts have criticised quarantine conditionsonboard the ship, fearing it has become an incubator for the virus.More than 500 of the 3,700 passengers and crew originally on the Diamond Princess have been diagnosed with Covid-19, making it home to the largest cluster of infections outside mainland China. Some experts have criticised quarantine conditionsonboard the ship, fearing it has become an incubator for the virus.
The luxury cruise liner was placed in lockdown at the port of Yokoyama early this month after it emerged that a passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong tested positive for the virus at the end of last month.The luxury cruise liner was placed in lockdown at the port of Yokoyama early this month after it emerged that a passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong tested positive for the virus at the end of last month.
Sticking with South Korea, the finance minister has outlined some emergency funding measures to prop up the local economy, which is very exposed to the slowdown in China.Sticking with South Korea, the finance minister has outlined some emergency funding measures to prop up the local economy, which is very exposed to the slowdown in China.
Hong Nam-ki said:Hong Nam-ki said:
The government will provide 100bn won (US$84m) in reserve funds to help local authorities stem the spread of the virus.The government will provide 100bn won (US$84m) in reserve funds to help local authorities stem the spread of the virus.
Small tourism businesses will receive a total of 50bn won of credit-based loans with a 1% interest rate.Small tourism businesses will receive a total of 50bn won of credit-based loans with a 1% interest rate.
300bn won worth of support for low-cost airlines suffering liquidity shortages.300bn won worth of support for low-cost airlines suffering liquidity shortages.
South Korea has 15 new cases of the coronavirus and will announce the positive test results later on Wednesday, according to Yonhap news agency, which cited unnamed health officials.South Korea has 15 new cases of the coronavirus and will announce the positive test results later on Wednesday, according to Yonhap news agency, which cited unnamed health officials.
The new cases are in the city of Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongsang province, Yonhap said.The new cases are in the city of Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongsang province, Yonhap said.
Health officials declined to confirm the Yonhap report, Reuters said.Health officials declined to confirm the Yonhap report, Reuters said.
There have been 31 cases of Covid-19 in South Korea as of Tuesday.There have been 31 cases of Covid-19 in South Korea as of Tuesday.
It comes as South Korean citizens arrived back in the country after being evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.It comes as South Korean citizens arrived back in the country after being evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Stock markets in Asia are in positive territory today after a dip yesterday caused largely by Apple’s shortages warning.Stock markets in Asia are in positive territory today after a dip yesterday caused largely by Apple’s shortages warning.
Sydney is up 0.15%, Tokyo is 0.4% to the good and Seoul is 0.5% better off.Sydney is up 0.15%, Tokyo is 0.4% to the good and Seoul is 0.5% better off.
In case you missed it, our economics editor Larry Elliott has been looking at what Apple’s warning tells us about the impact of the virus on the Chinese and global economies. Covid-19 is unusual because it is both a demand and a supply shock to Apple, he writes, with shoppers in China unable to get out and the supply of devices mostly made in China now drying up because of factory closures.In case you missed it, our economics editor Larry Elliott has been looking at what Apple’s warning tells us about the impact of the virus on the Chinese and global economies. Covid-19 is unusual because it is both a demand and a supply shock to Apple, he writes, with shoppers in China unable to get out and the supply of devices mostly made in China now drying up because of factory closures.
So far financial markets have “blithely asumed” that everything will be back to normal, Larry writes, but Germany, Japan and China – the top three economies behind the US – are all struggling and former two could be in recession soon. There are also signs the US economy might not be as strong as the occupant of the White House thinks.So far financial markets have “blithely asumed” that everything will be back to normal, Larry writes, but Germany, Japan and China – the top three economies behind the US – are all struggling and former two could be in recession soon. There are also signs the US economy might not be as strong as the occupant of the White House thinks.
He concludes with a grim warning of his own:He concludes with a grim warning of his own:
Here’s the full article:Here’s the full article:
Reuters has the latest health commission numbers. It says 2,004 people have died from the virus in mainland China, making a total around the world of 2,009 by my reckoning.Reuters has the latest health commission numbers. It says 2,004 people have died from the virus in mainland China, making a total around the world of 2,009 by my reckoning.
Confirmed cases on the mainland are 74,185. When you add Taiwan (22) and Hong Kong (62) that’s a total of 74,279.Confirmed cases on the mainland are 74,185. When you add Taiwan (22) and Hong Kong (62) that’s a total of 74,279.
Globally the total is 75,152.Globally the total is 75,152.
The NHC website still hasn’t updated its daily briefing page.The NHC website still hasn’t updated its daily briefing page.
Chinese media are reporting that the total deaths from the virus are now more than 2,000. I’m hoping to get the official confirmation of national health commission figures shortly but Tencent reports 2,003 deaths in mainland China with one in Hong Kong. There have been four more deaths around the world.Chinese media are reporting that the total deaths from the virus are now more than 2,000. I’m hoping to get the official confirmation of national health commission figures shortly but Tencent reports 2,003 deaths in mainland China with one in Hong Kong. There have been four more deaths around the world.
The Johns Hopkins University tracker puts the total deaths, including those around the world, at 2,007, so there’s a discrepancy of one between the two figures. Total cases in mainland China stands at 74,139, according to Johns Hopkins.The Johns Hopkins University tracker puts the total deaths, including those around the world, at 2,007, so there’s a discrepancy of one between the two figures. Total cases in mainland China stands at 74,139, according to Johns Hopkins.
Looking at more depth at the latest health figures from Hubei shows that deaths in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, rose markedly on Tuesday with 116 new fatalities, up from 72 on Monday. A total of 1,497 people have now died from the virus in Wuhan. New confirmed cases in Wuhan stood at 1,660, up from 1,600 on Monday.Looking at more depth at the latest health figures from Hubei shows that deaths in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, rose markedly on Tuesday with 116 new fatalities, up from 72 on Monday. A total of 1,497 people have now died from the virus in Wuhan. New confirmed cases in Wuhan stood at 1,660, up from 1,600 on Monday.
Welcome to our rolling coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. I’m Martin Farrer and these are the main points today:Welcome to our rolling coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. I’m Martin Farrer and these are the main points today:
Another 132 people have died from the virus in Hubei as of midnight on Tuesday, the provincial health commission has said on Wednesday morning, making a total of 1,921. That represents a jump from 93 deaths recorded on Monday, or a rise of more than 40%.Another 132 people have died from the virus in Hubei as of midnight on Tuesday, the provincial health commission has said on Wednesday morning, making a total of 1,921. That represents a jump from 93 deaths recorded on Monday, or a rise of more than 40%.
The number of new cases in the province is 1,693, taking the total to 61,682. It is the lowest number since 11 February and the second consecutive day below 2,000.The number of new cases in the province is 1,693, taking the total to 61,682. It is the lowest number since 11 February and the second consecutive day below 2,000.
The other main developments are:The other main developments are:
After a 14-day quarantine, passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship are preparing disembark if they have tested negative.After a 14-day quarantine, passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship are preparing disembark if they have tested negative.
Flights from nations including the UK and Australia will be standing by to take them home.Flights from nations including the UK and Australia will be standing by to take them home.
Fourteen South Korean passengers and crew arrived back home on Wednesday morning on the presidential jet, Yonhap news agency saidFourteen South Korean passengers and crew arrived back home on Wednesday morning on the presidential jet, Yonhap news agency said
Chinese people in Britain have reported a rise in abuse relating to the virusChinese people in Britain have reported a rise in abuse relating to the virus
A Chinese film director and his family are among the latest victims of the virusA Chinese film director and his family are among the latest victims of the virus
The UK’s largest carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover, has warned it is running out of parts for its factories.The UK’s largest carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover, has warned it is running out of parts for its factories.
Stocks on Wall Street and in Europe fell after Apple’s warning about a shortage of iPhonesStocks on Wall Street and in Europe fell after Apple’s warning about a shortage of iPhones
And our health editor Sarah Boseley has been analysing how China’s handling of the outbreak has created a diplomatic balancing act for the WHOAnd our health editor Sarah Boseley has been analysing how China’s handling of the outbreak has created a diplomatic balancing act for the WHO